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Hebrews CHAPTER 1 Verses 1-3Contrasted With the Prophets Verses 4-9, 13-14Contrasted With the Angels Verses 10-12Contrasted With the Creation JESUS JESUSAs OurSole Redeemer JESUSAsGod & King JESUSAs TheConstant Throughout The Ages JESUSAs The Living Word The Purpose of Angels TheMediator CHAPTER 2 The Message The SpeakersOf this Salvation TheMan The Questionof Man'sSignificance TheProofsOf thisSalvation The Hearers Of this Salvation The Messiah The AnswerConcerning Man's OriginalPosition The AnswerConcerning Man's OriginalPurpose The Problemof Man's Sin Suffering Sanctifying Singing He identified with the human condition, perfecting Himself as The Captain of their Salvation. He cleansed all who would avail themselves of the holinessthat He offers to mankind. He declared to us the very nature of God, Whose nature we celebratein the local assembly. Dependent Destroying Delivering He placed Himself in the keepingof His Father and, by example,challenges us to do the same. He made provision for our victoryover the wicked one by His resurrection from the dead. He gave hope in the face of our greatestfears, robbing death of its sting and the grave of its victory. The Motive of the Mediator The Mission of the Mediator The Ability of the Mediator A Love for the Hebrews A Love for Mankind To be a Merciful High Priest To be a Faithful High Priest Based in His Divine Character Based in His Human Experience Guard Your Own Heart Acknowledge His Goodness. CHAPTER 3 Believe Him Know Him Consider Him By avoiding errors of the heart By seeking out knowledge of His ways. Encourage EachOther RememberyourSalvation Listen to His Voice Soften Your Heart Grieve Not the Spirit His voice is the voice of the Holy Spirit. His voice speaks through the written word. Surrender to His Provision. Consider His Titles Apostle High Priest Christ Consider His Position Moses Was a Faithful Servant Jesus Was a Faithful Son The FaithfulHead The Divine Builder Consider His House The TabernacleGod's House The Tabernacle was God's Dwelling Place The Tabernacle was God's Meeting Place The Tabernacle was God's Testifying Place The ChurchGod's House The Church is God's Dwelling Place The Church is God's Meeting Place The Church is God's Testifying Place CHAPTER 4 REST It is a RESTwe should fear missing. It is a RESTthat has been promised. It is a RESTthat God has always offered to His people. It is a RESTthat can be missed. It is a RESTthat is unattainable without faith. The Sabbath Rest The Promise of REST Fulfilled The Potential of REST Forfeited The Preparation of REST Founded The Prophecy of REST Forwarded A Remaining Rest The Historian Psalmist The Doubting People The Conditional Promise The Rest Withheld Yehoshua A Rest Secured The Word of God Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Adjectives Describing the word of God Quick: From "zao," to live.Meaning that the wordof God has a life of its own. Powerful: From "energes," effectual.Meaning that the word of God iseffective to accomplish its goals. Sharper than any twoedged sword:Meaning that the word of God is askeen as it is versatile. Abilities Describing the word of God "...piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit,and of the joints and marrow,..." Penetrating so much as to reveal the distinction between physical and spiritual life. "...and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." It can discern between mental assent and true moral understanding. The Sight of God The High Priest of God Every Creature is Known to Him Every Situation is Known to Him Hebrews 4:13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight:... ...but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Our High Priest Inspires us to Hold Fast Our Profession Our High Priest Challenges us to Come Boldly to the Throne. Hebrews 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Appointed By God CHAPTER 5 OurHigh Priest OurSpiritual Maturity EveryHigh Priest Descendant of an Eternal Lineage Agonized over the Cross The Need to Mature So that we might be teachers So that we may grow past infancy Taken From Among Men Hebrews 5:1 For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: Representative of Man Sympathetic of Man Called of God No Self-Appointment Only Special Apointment Hebrews 5:4 And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. Leviticus 21:10 And he that is the high priest among his brethren, upon whose head the anointing oil was poured, and that is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not uncover his head, nor rend his clothes; 11 Neither shall he go in to any dead body, nor defile himself for his father, or for his mother; 12 Neither shall he go out of the sanctuary, nor profane the sanctuary of his God; for the crown of the anointing oil of his God is upon him: I am the LORD. Isaiah 42:1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; Offering Sacrifices Hebrews 5:3 And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. Symbolically Atoning for the Sins of the People Hebrews 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. Hebrews 5:13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. Hebrews 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Hebrews 5:2 Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. Symbolically Atoning for His Own Sins Hebrews 5:5 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. Hebrews 5:5 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. Ps 110:4 The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. Perfected by Obedience Hebrews 5:7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Hebrews 5:8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; So that we might discern between good and evil CHAPTER 6 ...those who were once enlightened,... ...seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. ...to renew them again unto repentance;... Hebrews 6:4 For it is impossible for... Hebrews 6:7 For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: Moving On... Hebrews 6:8 But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned. Doctrinal Question: Hebrews 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ,... Moving past the basic doctrines... ...let us go on unto perfection;... Moving toward wholeness... ...not laying again the foundation... Not rehearsing the same things... The debate on these is over. Hebrews 6:3 And this will we do, if God permit. It is time to move on to deeper things. Foundational Doctrines Can a born-again Christian "fall from grace," and lose his salvation? ...and have tasted of the heavenly gift,... ...and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, Hebrews 6:5 And have tasted the good word of God,... ... and the powers of the world to come, A Child of God Hebrews 6:6 If they shall fall away,... "For it is impossible... to renew them again..." (Those saved who lose their salvation) Hebrews 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, Hebrews 10:10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. In the context, this can only mean losing one's salvation. Representative of the saved Representative of the lost The fruit of the ground is indicative of its condition.It does not govern its condition. The respective ends of the two soils is due to the condition of the soil not the fruit thereof. Hebrews 6:9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you,... Paul is convinced that the Hebrew reader will have a better end. ...and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. These "better things" are fruit that is resultant of salvation Hebrews 6:10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. God blesses these things that accompany salvation. "toward his name" speaks to the motive of the work. Hebrews 6:11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: These good works result in a greater sense of assurance. Hebrews 6:12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. The road to final fulfillment of the promises was trod by many in the past and is paved in faith and patience. Abraham and his descendants God'sPersonalAssurance Hebrews 6:13 For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, Hebrews 6:14 Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. Abraham'sLife Journey Hebrews 6:15 And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. Hebrews 6:16 For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. The road to final fulfillment of the promises was paved in faith and patience. The way men make promises: on my mother's grave by all that is holy by the saints bythe holy angels The Way God Makes Promises Hebrews 6:17 Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: Hebrews 6:18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Hebrews 6:19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Hebrews 6:20 Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. The Promise of God The Personof God Our Salvation is a Sure as the Promise and Person of God CHAPTER 7 The Door toMelchisedec's Priesthood Hebrews 7:1 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; Hebrews 7:2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; Hebrews 7:3 Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. Hebrews 7:5 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham: Hebrews 7:6 But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises. Hebrews 7:4 Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils. Hebrews 7:7 And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better. Hebrews 7:8 And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth. Hebrews 7:9 And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham. A Matter of Greatness Levitical Priests Abraham Jesus Hebrews 7:10 For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him. The Need for a New Priesthood Hebrews 7:11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? The Imperfection of the Priesthood Resulted in Imperfections in the Law. Hebrews 7:12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. Hebrews 7:13 For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar. Hebrews 7:14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. Hebrews 7:15 And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, Hebrews 7:16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. Hebrews 7:17 For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Changes to the Priesthood Necessitate Changes in the Law Jesus Herein, David predicts a successor to Mechisedec, which prophecy, Jesus fulfills. Sealed With An Oath Hebrews 7:18 For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. Hebrews 7:19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. Hebrews 7:20 And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest: Hebrews 7:23 And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: Hebrews 7:28 For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore. Hebrews 7:27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. Hebrews 7:26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Hebrews 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:21 (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:) Hebrews 7:22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. Hebrews 7:24 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. The Weakness of The Old System The Bringing of a Better Hope The Swearing of a Divine Oath The Contrasting Priesthoods The Interceding Saviour The Identifying Priest The Perfect Sacrifice The Power of the Oath An oath is interposed to show certainty: The Weakness was by design to show the need for something greater. Always ChangingEver Dying Never ChangingEver Living By The Law came priests with infirmities. By The Oath came the perfect Son of God. CHAPTER 8 ...We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; Hebrews 8:1 Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: ... A Summary of This New Priesthood A New and Better Covenant His Position is Elevated Hebrews 8:3 For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. Hebrews 8:4 For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law: Hebrews 8:2 A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. OR of Levi of Judah Hebrews 8:5 Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, ... ,,, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount. Hebrews 8:6 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. Hebrews 8:7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. Hebrews 8:8 For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:9 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:11 And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. Jeremiah 31:31 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. Septuagint Version Masoretic Texts Hebrews 8:8 For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: Hebrews 8:9 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord. Hebrews 8:10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: Hebrews 8:11 And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. Hebrews 8:12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. Hebrews 8:13 In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away. CHAPTER 9 The Tabernacle Furniture Hebrews 9:1 Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. Hebrews 9:3 And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; Hebrews 9:4 Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; Hebrews 9:2 For there was atabernacle made; the first,wherein was the candlestick,and the table, and theshewbread; which iscalled the sanctuary. Hebrews 9:5 And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly. The Tabernacle Furniture was glorious in its own way, but it was only furniture, physical items, powerful only in their symbolism and use. The Tabernacle Rituals Hebrews 9:7 But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: Hebrews 9:9 Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; Hebrews 9:8 The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: Hebrews 9:6 Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. Hebrews 9:10 Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. The Better Tabernacle Hebrews 9:11 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come,by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Hebrews 9:12 Neither by theblood of goats and calves,but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. Hebrews 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? Hebrews 9:13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: The New Testament Hebrews 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. Hebrews 9:21 Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. Hebrew 9:20 Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you. Hebrews 9:19 For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, Hebrews 9:15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death,for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. Hebrews 9:16 For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. Hebrew 9:17 For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth. Hebrews 9:18 Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood. A Heavenly Tabernacle Hebrews 9:23 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. Hebrews 9:24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: Hebrews 9:26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. Hebrews 9:25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; Hebrews 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: This Church Age Church People CHAPTER 10 The Law Hebrews 10:1 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. Hebrews 10:2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. Hebrews 10:3 But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. Hebrews 10:4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. The Law contained a rough pattern and shade of the gospel. The Law did not contain the actual benefits of the gospel. The Law could not perfect the observers of its rituals. If the Law, or its rituals, could make men holy, then they would be no more needed. Man would know that their sins were covered and would have a clear conscience Man was created a and stamped with righteousness. Man commited evil and lost his righteousness. Man could only be redeemed by a righteous being Amoral beings could not provide righteousness. The rituals of the Law intensified the guilt of sin and refreshed the memory thereof anually. The Body Hebrews 10:8 Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; Hebrews 10:9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. Hebrews 10:10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. The Offering Hebrews 10:11 And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: Hebrews 10:13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. Hebrews 10:12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; Hebrews 10:14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. Hebrews 10:5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: Having established that ritual sacrifices could not accomplish redemption of sins: Hebrews 10:6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. God's pleasure is in righteousness, which is not attained through ritual observance. Hebrews 10:7 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. All of these things, powerless to save, were a part of the system of the Law The FIRST being the animal sacrifices The SECOND being the sacrifice of Christ In accordance with God's will... The Contrast: Every Priest This Man Standeth Daily Sat Down Offering Offered oftentimes the same sacrifices one sacrifice ... for ever The work is complete, but the full reward for His labor is yet to be realized. The Cleansing Hebrews 10:15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, Hebrews 10:16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; Hebrews 10:17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Hebrews 10:18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. Jeremiah 31:33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. The perfection of the Saints By the Prophet Jeremiah "their sins and iniquities" Because they have been remitted. For why would you pay for something that is already remitted? Hebrews 10:19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, Hebrews 10:20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; Hebrews 10:21 And having an high priest over the house of God; Hebrews 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. The Boldness The Profession Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) Maintain a firm grasp A command in the first person plural. 1Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. 1Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. A command in the first person plural. Focus Firmly holding our profession of faith will require us to focus outside of ourselves. How can we hold fast our profession? How can we provoke each other to love? Heb 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. We now have the privilege and the ability to enter the presence of God. Romans 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Hebrews 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God,... Integrity Faith Sanctification Justification 2Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Hebrews 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him:... Proverbs 20:7 The just man walketh in his integrity:... The Backslider Hebrews 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, Hebrews 10:27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. Hebrews 10:28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Hebrews 10:29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? Hebrews 10:30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. Hebrews 10:31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Hebrews 10:32 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; Hebrews 10:34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. Hebrews 10:33 Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used. TheMemory Hebrews 10:36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. Hebrews 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. Hebrews 10:37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. TheExpectation Hebrews 10:39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. For instance, disobey the commandment of the previous verse. We, the people of the church, by whose hand and to whom the epistle was written. We have not just disrespected the sacrifice of an animal that can be replaced by the next generation of lambs. The offense is not so low as to be assuaged by the sacrifice of another lamb. 2Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Rather, the offense should inspire a fear of God's indignation and judgement. Deuteronomy 17:6 At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; ... Because He despised and therefore broke the law during the Old Testament time period. The offense during this New Testament period is much greater and is worthy, by logical deduction of greater punishment. To willfully choose to disobey God's command is to disparage the price that was paid as being something of small value. Deuteronomy 32:35 To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste. 36 For the LORD shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that their power is gone, and there is none shut up, or left. As His child you may not fall out of His hand, but in His hands you may be subjected to the fierceness of His displeasure if you profain the price of your redemption. Remember when you were enlightened. Remember how you withstood great trials. Remember when your friends were the Christian faithful. Remember when you suffered for your faith. Remember when you showed great love to ministers in need. Remember when you were glad to sacrifice for heavenly rewards. Think: "Endurance" 2 Timothy 2:3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. For this is what life on this earth is all about. Colossians 3:24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. 1Corinthians 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. Revelation 22:20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. The Man or Woman that "measures up." Faith = BeliefBelief results in action. Faith that does not translate to action is no faith at all and will not please God. We are not the type to backslide into destruction because we have believed in Jesus as our Saviour. We = Those whose live arcording to the expectation of an eternity in heaven. CHAPTER 11 Explanation of Faith The substance of things hoped for The evidence of things not seen Romans 8:24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? Substance: that which has mass and occupies space. 2Corinthians 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. Colossians 1:5 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; Heaven A Street of Gold Glorified Bodies Crowns Jesus Christ Perfect Holiness Evidence: an outward sign, that furnishes proof. The Risen Christ John 20:29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. 1Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. The Rewards of Christ Acts 17:31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. The Final Judgment Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Exhibitors of Faith Example of Faith The Elders A Good Report Romans 4:3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Those men of old, whose stories are recorded in the Old Testament. The recorded stories of faithfulness that show God's good favor. Hebrews 11:2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. Hebrews 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. Through faith we understand Things...seen...not made of things which do appear. Our belief in creation is by faith. Observed things were not made of observable things...a difficult premise to prove Abel Hebrews 11:4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. Genesis 4:4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: 5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. Abel believed God would bless obedience. God counted his faith as righteousness. Today Abel's testimony still speaks to us. Abel: "Don't be afraid to follow God's instructions to the letter." Enoch Hebrews 11:5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. Genesis 5:22 And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: Genesis 5:24 And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him. Enoch believed God wanted to have a personal relationship with him. God was pleased with Enoch's faith Today Enoch's testimony still speaks to us. Enoch: "Don't be afraid to walk with God." Noah Hebrews 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. Genesis 6:13 And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth. Genesis 6:22 Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he. Noah believed in God's promise of judgement. His faith made him an heir of the title of righteous. Today Noah's testimony still speaks to us. Noah: "Don't be afraid to obey the command of God." Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him:... ...for he that cometh to God must believe that he is,... ...and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Two Prerequisites To Pleasing God Believe that God exists. Believe that God is good. Abraham Hebrews 11:8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. Genesis 12:1 Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: Genesis 12:4 So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran. Abraham believed God would keep His promises. God rewarded his faith with blessing. Today Abraham's testimony still speaks to us. Abraham: "Don't be afraid to step out on the promises of God." Hebrews 11:9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: Hebrews 11:10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Sara Hebrews 11:11 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. Genesis 17:19 And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him. Sara believed that God was faithful. God blessed her confidence in Him. Today Sara's testimony still speaks to us. Sara: "Don't be afraid to believe that the impossible can happen." Hebrews 11:12 Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable. Genesis 18:10 And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him. 11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. 12 Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also? 13 And the LORD said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old? 14 Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son. 15 Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh. Abraham Hebrews 11:18 Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: Genesis 22:9 And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood. Genesis 22:2 And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of. Abraham believed God would keep His promises. God rewarded his faith with blessing. Today Abraham's testimony still speaks to us. Abraham: "Don't be afraid to give God what is most precious to you." Hebrews 11:17 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, Hebrews 11:19 Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure. Seeking A Country Hebrews 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. 15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out,

they might have had opportunity to have returned. 16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. "believed until death" Long before Jesus with eyes of faith convinced of the promises wholly surrendered to them publicly proclaiming that they are NOT a part of this world Their life and public testimony communicates the truth about Heaven. Had they focused on the things of this world... They might have had the world alone to enjoy. Their passion was for Heaven. God's passion was for them. Genesis 21:12 And God said unto Abraham, ... in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called. Abraham believed that if Isaac died, God would raise him from the dead. Abraham received back what he thought to have lost. Philippians 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, Isaac Hebrews 11:20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. For Jacob:Genesis 27:29 Let people serve thee, and nations bow down to thee: be lord over thy brethren, and let thy mother's sons bow down to thee: cursed be every one that curseth thee, and blessed be he that blesseth thee. For Esau:Genesis 27:39 ...Behold, thy dwelling shall be the fatness of the earth, and of the dew of heaven from above; Isaac believed God could work despite a disfunctional family. Today Isaac's testimony still speaks to us. Isaac: "Don't be afraid to trust God for the future." Jacob Hebrews 11:21 By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. Genesis 48:13 And Joseph took them both, Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel's left hand, and Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel's right hand, and brought them near unto him. Genesis 48:14 And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephraim's head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon Manasseh's head, guiding his hands wittingly; for Manasseh was the firstborn. Jacob believed it was important to be sensitive to the guidance of God. Today Jacob's testimony still speaks to us. Jacob: "Don't be afraid to follow God's leadersip." Joseph Hebrews 11:22 By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones. Genesis 50:24 And Joseph said unto his brethren, I die: and God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto the land which he sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. Genesis 50:25 And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence. Joseph believed God would deliver His people. God encouraged a nation through Joseph's faith. Today Joseph's testimony still speaks to us. Joseph: "Don't be afraid to predict that God will keep His promises." Exodus 13:19 And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you. Jochebed Hebrews 11:23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment. Exodus 1:22 And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive. Exodus 2:2 And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months. They believed God would bless them for protecting their children. God miraculously provided for Moses. Today Jochebed's and Amram's testimony still speaks to us. Jochebed & Amram: "Don't be afraid to trust God with your children." Amram & Moses Hebrews 11:24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Exodus 2:10 And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water. Exodus 2:11 And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren. Moses believed God would bless him for identifying with His children. God used Moses to lead His people. Today Moses' testimony still speaks to us. Moses: "Don't be afraid to identify with God's people." Hebrews 11:25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Hebrews 11:28 Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. Identifying with the people of God carries a reproach that characterized the ministry of Christ, but a moment under Christ's reproach is better than a lifetime of worldly treasures. It takes faith to quench any fear of man while acting on the fear of God. God's provided way of salvation requires faith to avoid judgement. Psalm 84:10 For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. Psalm 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: Hebrews 11:27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. Hebrews 11:26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. Exodus 12:21 Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the passover. Nation of Israel Hebrews 11:29 By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land:which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned. Having availed themselves of God's provided salvation, they followed their saviour by faith through the waters of the sea. Some 40 years later a nation trusted God for victory over the first stronghold in Canaan. They trusted God to bless obedience. God provided deliverance and victory. Today Israel's testimony still speaks to us. The Nation of Israel: "Don't be afraid to trust God to overcome your greatest obstacles." Hebrews 11:30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days. Moses' faith lead a nation into faith. ...much like we follow our saviour through the waters of baptism. Not having placed their faith in God's provided salvation, they could not benefit from His pathway of obedient faith. Joshua 6:20 So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city. Rahab Hebrews 11:31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. Joshua 2:1 And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot's house, named Rahab, and lodged there. Joshua 2:4 And the woman took the two men, and hid them, and said thus, There came men unto me, but I wist not whence they were: Rahab trusted God to reward her hospitality. God provided protection for her whole family. Today Rahab's testimony still speaks to us. Rahab: "Don't be afraid to side with the servants of God." Joshua 2:8 And before they were laid down, she came up unto them upon the roof; Joshua 2:9 And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land,... Joshua 2:14 And the men answered her, Our life for yours, if ye utter not this our business. And it shall be, when the LORD hath given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with thee. Rahab embraced the servants of God at great risk to herself. Hebrews 11:32 And what shall I more say?... ...for the time would fail me to tell... of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Judges 7:15 And it was so, when Gideon heard the telling of the dream, and the interpretation thereof, that he worshipped, and returned into the host of Israel, and said, Arise; for the LORD hath delivered into your hand the host of Midian. Judges 4:14 And Deborah said unto Barak, Up; for this is the day in which the LORD hath delivered Sisera into thine hand: is not the LORD gone out before thee? So Barak went down from mount Tabor, and ten thousand men after him. Judges 16:29 And Samson took hold of the two middle pillars upon which the house stood, and on which it was borne up, of the one with his right hand, and of the other with his left. Judges 11:1 Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valour, and he was the son of an harlot: and Gilead begat Jephthah. 1Samuel 12:20 And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart; 1Samuel 17:45 Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. Isaiah Jeremiah Ezekiel Hosea Daniel Joel Amos Obadiah Micah Jonah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi ...stopped the mouths of lions, ...subdued kingdoms, ...obtained promises, ...escaped the edge of the sword, ...wrought righteousness, Heb 11:34 Quenched the violence of fire... Hebrews 11:33 Who through faith... As did King David As Abraham as Joshua and Caleb as Daniel and Samson Shadrach Meshach and Abednego as the Nation of Israel turned to flight the armies of the aliens. ...not accepting deliverance; Hebrews 11:35 Women received their dead raised to life again: out of weakness were made strong, ...and others were tortured, ...waxed valiant in fight, as Jonathan as Young David as Gideon as the Widow of Zidon as Stephen that they might obtain a better resurrection: Hebrews 11:37 They were stoned, Hebrews 11:36 And others had trial of cruel mockings... ...yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: ...were tempted, ...and scourgings, ...they were sawn asunder, as Elisha as Paul and Silas 2Corinthians 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; as Jeremiah the Prophet as Stephen as Isaiah as Joseph being destitute, they wandered in deserts, afflicted, were slain with the sword: tormented; they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; The Priests of Nob As Elijah As Ruth Hebrews 11:38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) As Israel As Samson As Israel II Thessalonians 2:7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. As Moses & Joshua As Elijah ... having obtained a good report through faith,... Hebrews 11:39 And these all, ... All of these Old Testament Saints They each kept their faith andwere counted righteous by God ... received not the promise: No Messiah came to themor had come in their past Hebrews 11:40 God having provided some better thing for us, ... Saving the bestfor last, for us. ... that they without us should not be made perfect. Like parents, living vicariously through their children, they are completed through our lives. CHAPTER 12 Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a all of the featured heroes in the faith hall of fame listed in the previous chapter "...let us lay aside every weight,..." "... and the sin which doth so easily beset us,..." "...and let us run with patience the race that is set before us," as a runner lays aside that which would encumber him 1Peter 2:1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, enduring to the end Heb. 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, Psalm 40:8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart. despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Luke 24:26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? Philippians 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; Hebrews 12:3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. It is the consideration of Him that will stave off weariness and faintness of the mind. Jesus Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. John 19:17 And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: John 19:18 Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst. Hebrews 12:4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. The Consideration of Jesus Compared to the One Whose sacrifice we consider, we have not yet begun to suffer in our battle against sin. After using the running of a race as an illustration in verse 1, we now see boxing used to illustrate the battle that we fight against sinfulness and for the cause of purity. The Chastisement of God's Children Hebrews 12:5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: Proverbs 3:11 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. As the ancient Proverbs of Solomon were written for the instruction of his child. To despise: to think unimportant and to respond in kind. To faint: to relax due to feeling overwhelmed. Two Poor Responses to Chastisement Hebrews 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. Psalm 94:12 Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law; Psalm 119:75 I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me. Proverbs 3:12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. Revelation 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Chastening shows God's love for us. Chastening shows God's acceptance of us. Hebrews 12:7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? The proper response to chastening is ENDURE Chastening confirms our position as sons. Deuteronomy 8:5 Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the LORD thy God chasteneth thee. 2Samuel 7:14 I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men: Proverbs 13:24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes. Hebrews 12:8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. He who can sin without fear of the chastening hand of the Heavenly Father is no child of God. Hebrews 12:9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? The proper response to chastening is reverence. Remembering the dutiful chastening of our earthly father will keep us in mind of the duties of our Heavenly Father. Hebrews 12:11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. The proper response to chastening is submission. If we recognize the right of earthly fathers to correct their children, shall we not more readily recognize the right of the Heavenly Father to correct us? It is characteristic of earthly fathers to err as they tend to chastise with a motive to please themselves. (Earthly fathers should recognize this tendancy and seek to chastise with the same motivation of our Heavenly Father.) God always seeks our profit and that we might be more like Him. He created us in His image and after His likeness. When man fell into sin that image was efaced. It is through chastisement that He perfects His image again. Similarly, no hard and painful excercise is particularly enjoyable while in the midst of it, yet it yields profitable health and strength in the end. So no trial or correction from God is enjoyable while in the midst of it, yet if it yields righteousness in us then we will enjoy greater peace because of it. Hebrews 12:10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. The Counsel For The Church Hebrews 12:12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; Hebrews 12:13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Hebrews 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Hebrews 12:15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; Hebrews 12:16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. Hebrews 12:17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears. Advice for the weary fighter Advice for the weary runner "Stay on guard.""Keep fighting" "Stay strong.""Keep running." Advice for the wounded traveler. "Stay on course.""Seek healing." Advice for the Heaven bound. "Take the way of peace.""Follow after Holiness." (which is a prerequisite to seeing God) Advice for the Lost & Seeking. "Seek after God's grace.""Reject bitterness towards God." This is not to fall from the grace of God but to fall short of the grace of God. Bitterness against God is a cancer that endangers the soul and robs its host of the joy of God's grace. Advice for the wicked and lost. "Learn from Esau's great loss." Advice for the almost reprobate. "Repent while you can." Genesis 27:34 And when Esau heard the words of his father, he cried with a great and exceeding bitter cry, and said unto his father, Bless me, even me also, O my father. “Almost persuaded” now to believe;“Almost persuaded” Christ to receive;Seems now some soul to say,“Go, Spirit, go Thy way,Some more convenient dayOn Thee I’ll call.”

“Almost persuaded,” harvest is past!“Almost persuaded,” doom comes at last!“Almost” cannot avail;“Almost” is but to fail!Sad, sad, that bitter wail—“Almost,” but lost! The Contrast of Two Mountains Hebrews 12:18 For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, Mount Sinai Exodus 19:11 And be ready against the third day: for the third day the LORD will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai. 12 And thou shalt set bounds unto the people round about, saying, Take heed to yourselves, that ye go not up into the mount, or touch the border of it: whosoever toucheth the mount shall be surely put to death: 19 And when the voice of the trumpet sounded long, and waxed louder and louder, Moses spake, and God answered him by a voice. 19 And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more: Hebrews 12:20 (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: 21 And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:) The Lord spoke from a mountain of earth amidst naturally occuring surroundings and shook even the holiest among them. God's voice from the mountain was more than they could endure. Hebrews 12:22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, 23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, 24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. 25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven: 27 And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. 26 Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. 28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: Hebrews 12:29 For our God is a consuming fire. They requested that Moses listen to the voice of God for them. We Revelation 21:2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. Immediately explained as other than the literal Zion - this is the Church. A hint at the general assemblies of the local churches on Sunday, but more specifically, it is a reference to the great assembly of the entire church in Heaven. As the firstborn received such greater privileges and carried so much greater responsibilities, so we, the church, receive and carry the same in contrast to the Old Testament saints. Revelation 21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life. Psalm 75:7 But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another. See Chapter 11 1Peter 1:2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. Hebrews 11:4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. 1Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Sinai Sion The Mountain The City of the Living God Compare A mountain that could be touched A quaking nation of sinners The Company An innumerable company of angels A fearful man named Moses The Mediator A victorious Son named Jesus The Church of the Firstborn Names written in Heaven The spirits of just men made perfect Hebrews 2:2,3For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him. The penalty for disrespecting the deliverance of the law was severe. Our efforts to maintain purity in this age should be redoubled. Exodus 19:18 And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly. Haggai 2:6 For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and dry land; We are not at the beginning of race, but the end.We do not have the luxury of saving our sprint for the last stretch.We are in the final stretch.The finish line is in view.The stakes are higher than they ever were in the Old Testament. II Peter 3:10 The Day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with a fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Revelation 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. This promise to shake both heaven and earth. This Gospel Dispensation will not pass away so much as transition into eternity. Having entered into this kingdom of Jesus Christ and this last dispensation, which will transition us into eternity... Let us avail ourselves of the grace that saved us. Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 2Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: We must serve Him in an acceptable manner, respecting and fearing Him. Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 1Peter 1:17 And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: Our God's consistent revelation of Himself is indicative of His character and holiness. Exodus 24:17 And the sight of the glory of the LORD was like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel. Deuteronomy 4:24 For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God. Psalm 50:3 Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him. Psalm 97:3 A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about. 4 His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled. 5 The hills melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth. Isaiah 66:15 For, behold, the LORD will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire. Isaiah 66:15 For, behold, the LORD will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire. 2Thessalonians 1:8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; 10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. 11 ¶ Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: 12 That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.